Runyon Preserve

Location

Runyon Preserve is located on Morgan Street, east of Hamilton Street, in Lockport.

View Runyon Preserve interactive map

Hours

8 a.m.-Sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Geocaching

Runyon Preserve in Lockport offers a quiet natural area centered around woodland and creek habitat, with a history rooted in early recreation and community use. At 21 acres, its small size makes it a simple place to enjoy a short visit close to home.

Planning your visit

Runyon Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

Exploring the preserve

Runyon Preserve has a parking lot and small non-rentable shelter. Visitors can enjoy informal exploration and nature observation.

Prescribed burns: Why and how we do them

Putting fire to the landscape is an important tool in land management and keeps invasive species at bay.

Breakfast with some bald eagles

You never know what is going to drop into the picture when out in the preserves. In this case, it was a very hungry bald eagle. Bon appétit!

How and why we monitor grassland birds

Across the county, staff tracks nesting and migrating birds to help protect healthy prairie habitats.

Flora and fauna

The preserve protects forest habitat and a portion of Fiddyment Creek. Wildlife found at the preserve includes species such as the western chorus frog.

Preserve history

Runyon Preserve was acquired between 1934 and 2004 and is part of the Fiddyment Creek preservation system, which protects nearly 300 acres.

Before acquisition, the site was known as Legion Park and was owned by the American Legion. The preserve is named for Armstead Runyon, a local settler and early advocate of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

An illustration of a boy bending over looking at a stick resting on a tree.

'The Stick' Traveling Exhibition by Clay Rice

September 23, 2026 | 10:00 A.M TO 4:00 P.M

This traveling exhibition, developed by South Carolina silhouette artist Clay Rice and the South Carolina State Museum, follows a young boy who embarks on an exciting journey after finding a stick.

A yellow-green grasshopper on a green leaf.

Trail Hoppers

September 24, 2026 | 4:00 P.M TO 6:00 P.M

Log some miles walking through the prairie as grasshoppers bounce out of our way.

Trail Club: September at Hadley Valley

September 24, 2026 | 5:00 P.M TO 6:00 P.M

Trail Club is back this fall, and in September the group will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesdays at Hadley Valley.

Rustic and cozy Fireside Fest coming to Messenger Woods

September 21, 2026 | Programs and events

Enjoy food, music, a campfire and more on Saturday, Oct. 3.

A person poses for a photo with a frog sculpture and feathers.

‘Enthusiasm and confidence’: Four Rivers interpreter wins regional award

September 18, 2026 | Programs and events

Outstanding New Interpreter Award honors Lyons’ creativity, passion and growing expertise

Fall volunteer mornings offer hands-on habitat work across Will County

September 18, 2026 | Volunteering

October through December opportunities include seed collection and brush control.

Frequently asked questions

There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.

Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions: Concealed Carry page for information about firearms in the District's forest preserves and visitor centers.

Runyon Preserve

Location

Hours

Phone